Pressure is mounting on the National Government, through the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), to fast-track the rehabilitation and expansion of the Busia-Kisumu Road, which has remained in poor condition for years despite its importance to transport and trade.
The approximately 120-kilometre road was constructed in 1950 during the colonial era and, according to residents, has never undergone major rehabilitation since its construction.
Its deteriorating condition continues to cause significant challenges for motorists and residents who rely on it.
Residents have repeatedly appealed to the government to rehabilitate the road, which serves as an important transport link connecting Kenya to other East and Central African countries through the Busia border.
Residents say the road is narrow and riddled with potholes in several sections, contributing to frequent accidents. Some of the crashes have claimed lives, while others have left victims with serious injuries and permanent disabilities.
Beyond putting the lives of motorists at risk, the poor condition of the road has become a financial burden for vehicle owners.
Drivers say they spend considerable amounts of money repairing their vehicles due to damage caused by potholes and the deteriorating road surface.
Travel time between Busia and Kisumu has also increased because of the road's condition.
Drivers and motorcyclists are forced to slow down to avoid accidents, delaying the movement of passengers and goods and consequently affecting economic activities in areas served by the road.
However, National Government Economic Planning Secretary Bonface Makokha says plans to rehabilitate the road are underway, with the government having allocated 11 billion shillings for the project.
Makokha did not, however, provide a specific date for the commencement of the rehabilitation and expansion works, leaving residents waiting for the implementation of the government's pledge.
As they await the major project, residents are urging the government to undertake emergency repairs on the most damaged sections to reduce accidents and ease transportation.
Among the areas they want prioritised is the stretch from the junction near Busia town, through Korinda, to Bumala in Busia County.
They say temporary repairs along the affected sections would help reduce the challenges facing road users as they await the commencement of the wider rehabilitation and expansion project.
